I thought that whether they did or not was related to their learning style.

Today, I would have to say that most people just don’t bother.

I feel like all I’ve done recently is write detailed instructions only to have the person write back and ask me questions that were answered in the instructions. Not that I don’t enjoy saying the same thing over and over and over again but, really, make some effort rather than expecting others to do ALL of your work for you. I even try to say the same thing in different ways and often include an attached document with pretty pictures.

I get A LOT of requests for assistance. While I prefer that people ask for help with a topic in an article I’ve already written and leave a comment, I am not adverse to people emailing me or filling out the contact form. Calling for free help, however, is pushing it.

Some say that I shouldn’t offer any free assistance but I disagree. People have answered my questions and helped me out, especially Jeff Starr and Stratos. When I first contacted Jeff Starr, however, it was about an article he had written – I didn’t just ask him random questions and expect him to answer. I was also very grateful and thanked him repeatedly. And Stratos helps me out quite a bit and, although he doesn’t want me to, I frequently pay him. And someone that you answer a quick question for might become a paying customer.

But, here’s the deal. There needs to be limits, respect and patience. And here’s an example of what not to do.